That's pretty much the reality in Arizona this week. This massive dust storm barrelled through parts of the state, whipped up by winds of more than 70 km/h.

Visibility on a major highway in the area, the Interstate 10, was down to around 400 metres, and officials were warning people to stay off the roads.

People with respiratory problems were urged not to venture outside.

Several flights at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport were temporarily grounded, and around 2,000 people reportedly lost power.

Dust storms, also known as Haboobs, are relatively common in the arid state.

We don't usually have to worry about dust storms up here in Canada, but your daily commute can still run into a few snags. Download the Travelers Network app for the best up-to-date traffic info where you live in Canada.